Dobson and Thompkins both travel to Denver

[Gwedd]

Whatever you think of him, an active AD is quite significant. The idea of shutting down the Pars running game and forcing Brady to throw outside isn't as easy when your secondary is weak and a bigger outside threat is back in the arsenal. They have to account for that.

Yes. Yes they do.

 

[IcyPatriot]

If Dobson only can run red zone routes it will help from the box getting stacked.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I had a dream that Dobson catches the game winning touchdown in the back of the end zone with no time on the clock.

That would be especially nice if it were in the first quarter.

 

[Foxypats]

This is great news. Just having them on the field will not allow the broncos D to target Edelman and Vereen exclusively. I have stayed away from NFL network most of the week ( I am tired of the so called media and their half truths ) and just come on here to get updates. My stomach has been in knots all week and this is the kind of news that makes me feel a bit better.

 

[JMarr]

Whatever you think of him, an active AD is quite significant. The idea of shutting down the Pars running game and forcing Brady to throw outside isn't as easy when your secondary is weak and a bigger outside threat is back in the arsenal. They have to account for that.

I agree. Just making Denver account for him [and the possibility of him beating them on a deep ball] in their gameplan is huge IMO. Of course he might just be used as a decoy (and not even see the field much) if he's not healthy, but I'm praying to the football gods that he is. Plus I have this premonition--or just wishful thinking maybe--that he IS going to stun them and light up their secondary. :dizzy:

 

[ripatsfan91]

Great news, kinda have to respect outside passing game if he plays. If nothing else, at least he gives size to this sub 6 foot receiving corps

 

[supafly]

Would you care to list your 11?

:bricks:

As others have pointed out, whatever your personal opinion is of Dobson/Thompkins actually contributing (mine is rather low) significantly, it does force DEN to have to account for them. This may at least help to keep some of the underneath routes more open. That, and the red zone aspect could be helpful.

As far as the question that you posed, I would assume the answer would be any combination of 11 players who have actually been on the field recently and have been contributing regularly.

Aaron Dobson has contributed a whopping 18 catches since mid-October, which takes us back 3 months. In comparison, Kenbrell Thompkins has contributed a whopping 11 catches in the same time span. Honestly questioning those who have some reservations about their contributions doesn't seem too fair.

Like I said--it's better to have them as options than not to, and we'll all be hoping that they'll step up and contribute nicely, but I hardly blame anyone who is apprehensive of it occurring.

 

[UK_Pat37]

I'd rather have them healthy than not but I can't remember the last time either was a factor- maybe Pittsburgh. Truth is, whoever they have run deep will get covered, they could have Slater run and somebody would cover him. Unless they can actually take advantage and catch a ball it's not much use. Thus far, and I've seen every game, I'm not convinced they're worth taking a shot downfield. They're just too inconsistent.

If I'm listing the 11 best players the pats have on offense that doesn't include Dobson or Thompkins. Where I think they help is in the red zone where they can bring size over the Pats other options.

Dobson is averaging 14.0 YPC. He's absolutely worth taking a shot downfield..especially against a Denver secondary with no Harris and a slowing Bailey who is a shadow what he was.

If we can get their #3/#4 DB on Dobson, I like his chances.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Dobson is averaging 14.0 YPC. He's absolutely worth taking a shot downfield..especially against a Denver secondary with no Harris and a slowing Bailey who is a shadow what he was.

If we can get their #3/#4 DB on Dobson, I like his chances.

In DRC, Bailey, Jammer, Carter and Bruton they do have some pretty big DBs. The question is where they will play. If they keep them on the outside, then KT and Dobson won't have the height advantage that you would expect. They key is who plays the slot as that is where Harris was incredibly productive for them. My take is that the other DBs on their roster are not slot DBs nor anywhere close to having Harris' cover skills.

 

[dales804]

In DRC, Bailey, Jammer, Carter and Bruton they do have some pretty big DBs.

All of those guys except Carter is 6' or taller. Carter is small at 5'9". But Donkey fans seem to want him to play this week. Another former Patriot to take advantage of?

 

[RobertWeathers]

All of those guys except Carter is 6' or taller. Carter is small at 5'9". But Donkey fans seem to want him to play this week. Another former Patriot to take advantage of?

Yep my bad. He shouldn't be in that group.

In the Week 13 game DRC was the only CB who didn't have a bad game even though he left after the 1st 1/2 or so. Even Harris got burned on a couple plays to JE.

I just don't think DEN is a good man to man team without Harris. Everyone else can be exposed.

 

[Bobsyouruncle]

Would you care to list your 11?

:bricks:

Solder, Mankins, Wendell, Connolly, Cannon (you need an O-line)

Brady, Hooman, Amendola, Edelman, Vereen, Blount (that's 11)

Ridley. Also, Mulligan and Develin may not be better but they can be more useful and see the field on a lot of plays.

Overall, I think the 2WR, 2TE set with Vereen, Ridley or Blount is the best matchup they have. Vereen also gives them the option to split out as a WR.

 

[VJCPatriot]

All of those guys except Carter is 6' or taller. Carter is small at 5'9". But Donkey fans seem to want him to play this week. Another former Patriot to take advantage of?

Taller doesn't mean good. Broncos had one of the worst secondaries in the league this year. Losing Harris won't improve that.

#27 pass defense - 4,070 yards allowed, 254.4 per game, 29 receiving TDs, 84.5 qb rating

NFL Stats: by Team Category

 

[dales804]

Taller doesn't mean good. Broncos had one of the worst secondaries in the league this year. Losing Harris won't improve that.



#27 pass defense - 4,070 yards allowed, 254.4 per game, 29 receiving TDs, 84.5 qb rating



NFL Stats: by Team Category

I agree. I was simply addressing the part about them all being tall. I know their pass defense wasn't good this year.

 

[SebertJr]

great news

 

[captain stone]

Solder, Mankins, Wendell, Connolly, Cannon (you need an O-line)

Brady, Hooman, Amendola, Edelman, Vereen, Blount (that's 11)

Ridley. Also, Mulligan and Develin may not be better but they can be more useful and see the field on a lot of plays.

Overall, I think the 2WR, 2TE set with Vereen, Ridley or Blount is the best matchup they have. Vereen also gives them the option to split out as a WR.

In medium-yardage situations (3-6 ytg), I would love to see an offensive backfield consisting
of both Blunt & Vereen. The possibilities are nearly endless.

 

[Nunchucks]

As others have pointed out, whatever your personal opinion is of Dobson/Thompkins actually contributing (mine is rather low) significantly, it does force DEN to have to account for them. This may at least help to keep some of the underneath routes more open. That, and the red zone aspect could be helpful.

As far as the question that you posed, I would assume the answer would be any combination of 11 players who have actually been on the field recently and have been contributing regularly.

Aaron Dobson has contributed a whopping 18 catches since mid-October, which takes us back 3 months. In comparison, Kenbrell Thompkins has contributed a whopping 11 catches in the same time span. Honestly questioning those who have some reservations about their contributions doesn't seem too fair.

Like I said--it's better to have them as options than not to, and we'll all be hoping that they'll step up and contribute nicely, but I hardly blame anyone who is apprehensive of it occurring.

If anything, they can run block!

 

[Kdo5]

In DRC, Bailey, Jammer, Carter and Bruton they do have some pretty big DBs. The question is where they will play. If they keep them on the outside, then KT and Dobson won't have the height advantage that you would expect. They key is who plays the slot as that is where Harris was incredibly productive for them. My take is that the other DBs on their roster are not slot DBs nor anywhere close to having Harris' cover skills.

Even if he doesn't have much of a height advantage over those corners, a matchup of Dobson vs Champ or Jammer is one that we should try to utilize downfield. He can beat those guys.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Even if he doesn't have much of a height advantage over those corners, a matchup of Dobson vs Champ or Jammer is one that we should try to utilize downfield. He can beat those guys.

I agree 100%. My concern is that both Dobson and KT might be a bit rusty after being fairly inactive since Halloween. If they can get something from those two on the outside that really might open things up in the middle of the field passing and running games.

 

[Ring 6]

I'd rather have them healthy than not but I can't remember the last time either was a factor- maybe Pittsburgh. Truth is, whoever they have run deep will get covered, they could have Slater run and somebody would cover him. Unless they can actually take advantage and catch a ball it's not much use. Thus far, and I've seen every game, I'm not convinced they're worth taking a shot downfield. They're just too inconsistent.

If I'm listing the 11 best players the pats have on offense that doesn't include Dobson or Thompkins. Where I think they help is in the red zone where they can bring size over the Pats other options.

You do realize in the NFL a 'shot downfield' is a 1 in 5 proposition at best right? That sounds like and event that is by nature inconsistent so im not sure describing these guys as inconsistent at the event is suprising.